Fractionator for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella and related processes

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a fractionator and related process for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/512,150, filed Mar. 17, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,112,123,which application is a national stage of PCT/US2015/050138 filed Sep.15, 2015 which claims priority to and any other benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/052,944, filed Sep. 19, 2014, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fractionator and processes thatutilize the fractionator. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a fractionator for separating solubilized rubber from aco-solvent based miscella and related processes.

BACKGROUND

Despite current technologies for producing synthetic rubber, naturalrubber from sources such as the Hevea plant or tree (also called Heveabrasiliensis or a rubber tree) is still considered to possess certainsuperior properties as compared to synthetic rubber. A number of naturalrubber sources such as Hevea brasiliensis, Ficus elastic (India rubbertree) and Cryptostegia grandiflora (Madagascar rubbervine) producenatural rubber in the form of a sap where the rubber is suspended in anaqueous solution that flows freely and can be recovered by tapping ofthe plant. Various non-Hevea plants are also known to contain naturalrubber, but their rubber is stored within the individual cells of theplant (e.g., stems, roots, leaves) and cannot be accessed by tapping butcan only be accessed by breaking down the cell walls by physical orother means. When rubber from within the cells of these non-Hevea plantsis accessed, additional processing is required to separate the rubberfrom the various other materials. In certain processes for recoveringrubber from non-Hevea plants, a miscella containing solubilized rubberand solubilized resin is produced, which is then processed to recoverthe rubber.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is a fractionator for separating solubilized rubber froma co-solvent based miscella. Also provided is a process for separatingsolubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella using thefractionator.

In a first embodiment, a fractionator for separating solubilized rubberfrom a co-solvent based miscella is provided. The fractionator comprisesa primary vessel. The primary vessel comprises a feed inlet for feedinga co-solvent based miscella into the primary vessel. When fed into theprimary vessel the co-solvent based miscella separates to form (i) anon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the primaryvessel and (ii) a polar solvent solubilized resin phase above thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. In addition, the primary vesselcomprises a side outlet for removing the polar solvent solubilized resinphase from the primary vessel. The primary vessel also comprises abottom outlet for removing the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phasefrom the primary vessel. The fractionator of the first embodiment canalso be understood as comprising: a primary vessel comprising (a) a feedinlet suitable for feeding a co-solvent based miscella into the primaryvessel; (b) a lower portion within the primary vessel (suitable forcontaining a non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase); (c) an upperportion (suitable for containing a polar solvent solubilized resinphase); (d) a side outlet suitable for removing material from the upperportion of the primary vessel (i.e., suitable for removing the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase from the primary vessel); and (e) abottom outlet suitable for removing material from the lower portion ofthe primary vessel (i.e., suitable for removing the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase from the primary vessel).

In a second embodiment, a process for separating solubilized rubber froma co-solvent based miscella is provided. The process comprises providingan initial co-solvent based miscella comprising at least one polarsolvent, at least one non-polar solvent, solubilized rubber, andsolubilized resin, and using a fractionation system comprising multiplefractionators in series to separate the initial co-solvent basedmiscella into at least two phases. The multiple fractionators include afirst fractionator, one or more intermediate fractionators, and a finalfractionator. Each fractionator comprises a primary vessel having a (i)feed inlet, (ii) a side outlet, (iii) a bottom outlet, and (iv) aninternal weir between the interior of the primary vessel and the sideoutlet or an overflow vessel external to the primary vessel and fluidlyconnected to the side outlet.

According to the processes of the second embodiment, the initialco-solvent based miscella is fed into the first fractionator primaryvessel through the first fractionator primary vessel feed inlet, and theinitial co-solvent based miscella separates to form (i) a firstnon-polar viscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the firstfractionator primary vessel and (ii) a first polar solvent solubilizedresin phase above the first non-polar viscous rubber phase. A firstvapor blanket is maintained above the first polar solvent solubilizedresin phase in an upper portion of the first fractionator primaryvessel. At least a portion of the first polar solvent solubilized resinphase is allowed to flow over the internal weir of the firstfractionator or into the overflow vessel of the first fractionator forremoval from the first fractionator primary vessel through the sideoutlet. In addition, the first non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase isallowed to flow out of the bottom outlet of the first fractionatorprimary vessel and into an intermediate fractionator. Additional polarsolvent and optionally additional non-polar solvent is added to theintermediate fractionator primary vessel to form a co-solvent basedmiscella mixture with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase fromthe first fractionator primary vessel and the mixture is allowed toseparate into (i) an intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phasein a lower portion of the intermediate fractionator primary vessel and(ii) an intermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase above theintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. An intermediatevapor blanket is maintained above the intermediate polar solventsolubilized resin phase in an upper portion of the intermediatefractionator primary vessel. At least a portion of the intermediatepolar solvent solubilized resin phase is allowed to flow over theinternal weir of the intermediate fractionator or into the overflowvessel of the intermediate fractionator for removal from theintermediate fractionator primary vessel through the side outlet. Theintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase is allowed to flowout of the bottom outlet of the intermediate fractionator primary vesseland into the final fractionator. Additional polar solvent and optionallyadditional non-polar solvent is added to the final fractionator primaryvessel to form a co-solvent based miscella mixture with the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase from the intermediate fractionator primaryvessel and the mixture is allowed to separate into (i) a final non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the finalfractionator primary vessel and (ii) a final polar solvent solubilizedresin phase above the final non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. Afinal vapor blanket is maintained above the final polar solventsolubilized resin phase in an upper portion of the final fractionatorprimary vessel. At least a portion of the final polar solventsolubilized resin phase is allowed to flow over the internal weir of thefinal fractionator or into the overflow vessel of the final fractionatorfor removal from the final fractionator primary vessel. The finalnon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase is allowed to flow out of thebottom outlet of the final fractionator primary vessel, therebyproviding a separated solubilized rubber phase with reduced resin andpolar solvent content as compared to the initial co-solvent basedmiscella.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a fractionator withan overflow vessel.

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a fractionator withan internal weir.

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a fractionator withan internal weir.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of multiple fractionatorsconnected in series.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of multiple fractionatorsconnected in series.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a process forseparating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein is a fractionator for separating solubilized rubber froma co-solvent based miscella. Also provided is a process for separatingsolubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella that uses multiplefractionators. For ease of description in certain sections, thefractionator and the process are described as embodiments; the use ofthis terminology is for ease of description only and should not beinterpreted as limiting.

Definitions

The terminology as set forth herein is for description of theembodiments only and should not be construed as limiting the inventionas a whole.

As used herein, the term “non-Hevea plant” is intended to encompassplants that contain natural rubber within the individual cells of theplant.

As used herein the term “resin” means the naturally occurring non-rubberchemical entities present in a co-solvent based miscella produced from anon-Hevea plant, including but not limited to resins (such as terpenes),fatty acids, proteins, and inorganic materials.

Details

In a first embodiment, a fractionator for separating solubilized rubberfrom a co-solvent based miscella is provided. The fractionator comprisesa primary vessel. The primary vessel comprises a feed inlet for feedinga co-solvent based miscella into the primary vessel. When fed into theprimary vessel the co-solvent based miscella separates to form twophases, (i) a non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portionof the primary vessel and (ii) a polar solvent solubilized resin phaseabove the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. In addition, theprimary vessel comprises a side outlet for removing at least a portionof the polar solvent solubilized resin phase from the primary vessel. Incertain embodiments, at least a majority of the polar solventsolubilized resin phase, and preferably substantially all of the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) isremoved in this manner. It should be understood that a relatively minoramount of polar solvent and solubilized resin may remain associated withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. The primary vessel alsocomprises a bottom outlet for removing the non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase from the primary vessel.

In a second embodiment, a process for separating solubilized rubber froma co-solvent based miscella is provided. The process comprises providingan initial co-solvent based miscella comprising at least one polarsolvent, at least one non-polar solvent, solubilized rubber, andsolubilized resin, and using a fractionation system comprising multiplefractionators in series to separate the initial co-solvent basedmiscella into at least two phases. The multiple fractionators include afirst fractionator, one or more intermediate fractionators, and a finalfractionator. Each fractionator comprises a primary vessel having (i) afeed inlet, (ii) a side outlet, (iii) a bottom outlet, and (iv) aninternal weir between the interior of the primary vessel and the sideoutlet or an overflow vessel external to the primary vessel and fluidlyconnected to the side outlet.

According to the process of the second embodiment, the initialco-solvent based miscella is fed into the first fractionator primaryvessel through the first fractionator primary vessel feed inlet, and theinitial co-solvent based miscella separates to form (i) a firstnon-polar viscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the firstfractionator primary vessel and (ii) a first polar solvent solubilizedresin phase above the first non-polar viscous rubber phase. A firstvapor blanket is maintained above the first polar solvent solubilizedresin phase in an upper portion of the first fractionator primaryvessel. At least a portion of the first polar solvent solubilized resinphase is allowed to flow over the internal weir of the firstfractionator or into the overflow vessel of the first fractionator forremoval from the first fractionator primary vessel through the sideoutlet. In certain embodiments, at least a majority of the polar solventsolubilized resin phase, and preferably substantially all of the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) isremoved in this manner. It should be understood that a relatively minoramount of polar solvent and solubilized resin may remain associated withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. In addition, the firstnon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase is allowed to flow out of thebottom outlet of the first fractionator primary vessel and into anintermediate fractionator. Additional polar solvent and optionallyadditional non-polar solvent (any of which may be the same or differentthan the at least one polar solvent and the at least one non-polarorganic solvent contained in the initial co-solvent based miscella) isadded to the intermediate fractionator primary vessel to form aco-solvent based miscella mixture with the non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase from the first fractionator primary vessel and the mixtureis allowed to separate into (i) an intermediate non-polar solventviscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the intermediate fractionatorprimary vessel and (ii) an intermediate polar solvent solubilized resinphase above the intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. Anintermediate vapor blanket is maintained above the intermediate polarsolvent solubilized resin phase in an upper portion of the intermediatefractionator primary vessel. At least a portion of the intermediatepolar solvent solubilized resin phase is allowed to flow over theinternal weir of the intermediate fractionator or into the overflowvessel of the intermediate fractionator for removal from theintermediate fractionator primary vessel through the side outlet. Theintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase is allowed to flowout of the bottom outlet of the intermediate fractionator primary vesseland into the final fractionator. Additional polar solvent and optionallyadditional non-polar solvent (any of which may be the same or differentthan the at least one polar solvent and the at least one non-polarorganic solvent contained in the initial co-solvent based miscella) isadded to the final fractionator primary vessel to form a co-solventbased miscella mixture with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phasefrom the intermediate fractionator primary vessel and the mixture isallowed to separate into (i) a final non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase in a lower portion of the final fractionator primary vessel and(ii) a final polar solvent solubilized resin phase above the finalnon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. A final vapor blanket ismaintained above the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase in anupper portion of the final fractionator primary vessel. In certainembodiments, the vapor blanket comprises air or nitrogen gas. At least aportion of the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase is allowed toflow over the internal weir of the final fractionator or into theoverflow vessel of the final fractionator for removal from the finalfractionator primary vessel. The final non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase is allowed to flow out of the bottom outlet of the finalfractionator primary vessel, thereby providing a separated solubilizedrubber phase with reduced resin and polar solvent content as compared tothe initial co-solvent based miscella.

The Fractionator

Referring now to FIG. 1, a partial cutaway view of a fractionator (100)according to the first embodiment is shown. The fractionator (100) isuseful for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent basedmiscella. As seen in FIG. 1, the fractionator (100) comprises a primaryvessel (110). In certain embodiments, the primary vessel (110) has acone-shaped lower portion. The primary vessel (110) comprises a feedinlet (120) for feeding a co-solvent based miscella into the primaryvessel (110). When fed into the primary vessel (110) the co-solventbased miscella separates to form (i) a non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase (20) in a lower portion of the primary vessel (110) and (ii) apolar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) above the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase. The line of separation between the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase (20) and the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase (40) is also referred to herein as the phase interfacelevel. It should be understood that the phase interface level may varyin height during operation of the fractionator. As well, the relativevolume of the polar solvent solubilized resin phase and the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase during operation, may vary depending uponthe respective polar and non-polar solvents utilized, the size of thefractionator and the desired residence time within the fractionator. Inaddition, the primary vessel (110) comprises a side outlet (130) forremoving the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) from the primaryvessel (110). The primary vessel (110) also comprises a bottom outlet(140) for removing the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (20) fromthe primary vessel (110).

In certain embodiments, the primary vessel (100) of the fractionator(100) comprises additional inlets and outlets for feeding and removingadditional components. For example, the primary vessel (110) maycomprise a gas inlet (170) and a gas outlet, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. Thegas inlet (170) may be used to add a vapor blanket (60) to thefractionator (100), for example, above the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase (40). Similarly, the gas outlet (180) may be used to purgeor vent vapor from the fractionator (100). The optional gas inlet mayalso be understood as suitable for adding a vapor blanket to thefractionator (e.g., within the upper portion of the primary vessel). Theoptional gas outlet may also be understood as suitable for purging orventing vapor from the fractionator (e.g., from within the upper portionof the primary vessel).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in certain embodiments, theprimary vessel (110) comprises at least one solvent inlet (190) forfeeding additional solvent to the primary vessel (110). It should beunderstood that the at least one solvent inlet (190) may be a polarsolvent inlet for adding polar solvent to the fractionator (100) or anon-polar solvent inlet for adding non-polar solvent to the fractionator(100). In certain embodiments, the primary vessel (110) comprises apolar solvent inlet for adding polar solvent to the fractionator (100)and a non-polar solvent inlet for adding non-polar solvent to thefractionator (100).

With reference now to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, the fractionator(100) comprises an overflow vessel (160). The overflow vessel (160) hasan inlet (162) and an outlet (164). The overflow vessel inlet (162) isfluidly connected to the side outlet (130) such that at least a portionof the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) flows through the sideoutlet (130) into the overflow vessel (160). The overflow vessel inlet(162) can also be understood as fluidly connected to the side outlet(130) such that at least a portion of material located within the upperportion of the primary vessel may flow through the side outlet (130)into the overflow vessel (160). Accordingly, the overflow vessel (160)assists in controlling the phase interface level in the primary vessel(110) as well as in removing the polar solvent resin phase. The polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (40) that is collected in the overflowvessel (160) is removed through the overflow vessel outlet (164). Incertain embodiments, at least a majority of the polar solventsolubilized resin phase, and preferably substantially all of the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) isremoved in this manner. It should be understood that a relatively minoramount of polar solvent and solubilized resin may remain associated withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. The side outlet (130) andoverflow vessel (160) combination improve the safety of the fractionator(100) by allowing the fractionator (100) to operate without a liquidfull volume and also provide better control of the phase interfacelevel.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, the primaryvessel (110) comprises an internal weir (150). As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3,the side outlet (130) is bounded by the internal weir (150) such thatthe polar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) must flow over theinternal weir (150) to remove the polar solvent solubilized resin phase(40) through the side outlet (130). In other words, the internal weir(150) provides an interior barrier to the side outlet (130) that must beovercome before the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) can beremoved from the primary vessel (110) through the side outlet (130).Thus, it can be appreciated that the internal weir (150) assists incontrolling the phase interface level in the primary vessel (110). Theside outlet (130) and internal weir (150) combination improve theoperation of the fractionator (100) by allowing the fractionator (100)to operate without a liquid full volume and by providing better controlof the phase interface level.

As seen in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the internal weir (150) formsa wall around a portion of the circumference of an upper interiorportion of the primary vessel (110). Alternatively, in certainembodiments, the internal weir (150) forms a wall around the entirecircumference of an upper interior portion of the primary vessel (110),as shown in FIG. 3. In such embodiments, the feed inlet that feeds theco-solvent based miscella (or the non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase) is positioned so that it feeds material into the interior of theprimary vessel and not into the internal weir. As previously mentioned,the internal weir (150) functions to separate the side outlet (130) fromthe interior volume of the primary vessel (110) occupied by liquid(i.e., the separated co-solvent based miscella) until the level of thepolar solvent solubilized resin phase (40) overcomes the internal weir(150) to allow at least a portion of the polar solvent solubilized resinphase (40) to flow from the primary vessel (110) through the side outlet(130). In certain embodiments, at least a majority of the polar solventsolubilized resin phase, and preferably substantially all of the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) isremoved in this manner. It should be understood that a relatively minoramount of polar solvent and solubilized resin may remain associated withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase.

In certain embodiments, the fractionator (100) further comprises atleast one additional fractionator connected in series, wherein eachadditional fractionator has a feed inlet that is fluidly connected tothe bottom outlet of the preceding fractionator. For example, as seen inFIG. 4, a first fractionator (100) is connected in series with a secondfractionator (200) and a third fractionator (300). Although FIG. 4depicts three fractionators, it should be understood that additionalfractionators may be utilized. An initial co-solvent based miscella (50)is fed into the primary vessel (110) of the first fractionator (100)through the feed inlet (120). In certain embodiments, the initialco-solvent based miscella (50) is fed through a heat exchanger (102)(heated or cooled with appropriate plant utilities (U) (e.g., hot water,cooling water)) and/or a static mixer (104) prior to being fed into theprimary vessel (110) of the first fractionator (100). As seen in FIG. 4,the bottom outlet (140) of the first fractionator (100) is fluidlyconnected to the feed inlet (220) of the second fractionator. In certainembodiments, a bottoms pump (106) is fluidly connected to the bottomoutlet (140) of the first fractionator (100) and the feed inlet (220) ofthe second fractionator (200) and operates to transport the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase from the first fractionator (100) to thesecond fractionator (200). Similarly, the bottom outlet (240) of thesecond fractionator (200) is fluidly connected to the feed inlet (320)of the third fractionator (300). As seen in FIG. 4, in certainembodiments, a bottoms pump (206) is fluidly connected to the bottomoutlet (240) of the second fractionator (200) and the feed inlet (320)of the third fractionator (300) and operates to transport the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase from the second fractionator (200) to thethird fractionator (300).

With continued reference to FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, eachfractionator (100, 200, 300) comprises a polar solvent inlet (190, 290,390) for adding polar solvent to the fractionator (100, 200, 300). Thesolubilized rubber is preferentially soluble in the non-polar solvent,and thus, as additional polar solvent is added the relative amount ofpolar solvent as compared to non-polar solvent is increased so as tocause the solubilized rubber to coagulate to form the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase. Accordingly, adding additional polar solventpromotes the separation of the solubilized rubber from the solubilizedresin. In certain embodiments, polar solvent may be added to afractionator (100, 200, 300) by providing a polar solvent feed line thatis fluidly connected to the feed inlet (120, 220, 320) of thefractionator (100, 200, 300). By way of example, polar solvent may befed into the third fractionator (300) by providing a polar solvent feedline that connects into the flow stream that enters into the feed inlet(320) of the third fractionator (300).

In certain embodiments, at least one of the fractionators comprises aresin phase feed line that is fluidly connected to the precedingfractionator. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, the third fractionator(300) has a resin phase feed line (366) that is fluidly connected to thesecond fractionator (200), thus allowing the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase of the third fractionator (300) to flow to the secondfractionator (200). In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 4, a resinpump (308) is fluidly connected to the third fractionator (300) and thefeed inlet of the (220) second fractionator and operates to transportthe polar solvent solubilized resin phase from the third fractionator(300) to the second fractionator (200).

In certain embodiments, a resin pump (108) is fluidly connected to thefirst fractionator (100) and a resin tank and operates to transport thepolar solvent solubilized resin phase from the first fractionator (100)to the resin tank via stream (70), as seen in FIG. 4. Similarly, incertain embodiments, a resin pump (208) is fluidly connected to thesecond fractionator (200) and a resin tank and operates to transport thepolar solvent solubilized resin phase from the second fractionator (200)to the resin tank via stream (70).

In certain embodiments, the fractionator comprises at total of sixfractionators connected in series. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, sixfractionators (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) are connected in series,wherein each fractionator after the first fractionator (100) has a feedinlet (220, 320, 420, 520, 620) that is fluidly connected to the bottomoutlet (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) of the preceding fractionator. Forinstance, the bottom outlet (140) of the first fractionator (100) isfluidly connected to the feed inlet (220) of the second fractionator(200), the bottom outlet (240) of the second fractionator (200) isfluidly connected to the feed inlet (320) of the third fractionator(300), and so forth. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, abottoms pump (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is fluidly connected to thebottom outlet (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) of a fractionator (100, 200,300, 400, 500) and the feed inlet (220, 320, 420, 520, 620) of the nextsuccessive fractionator (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) and operates totransport the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase from onefractionator (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) to the next successivefractionator (200, 300, 400, 500, 600).

With continued reference to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, thefractionator comprises at total of six fractionators connected inseries, and at least one of the intermediate fractionators furthercomprises a resin phase feed line that is fluidly connected to thepreceding fractionator. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, the thirdfractionator (300) comprises a resin phase feed line (366) that isfluidly connected to the second fractionator (200), the fourthfractionator (400) comprises a resin phase feed line (466) that isfluidly connected to the third fractionator (300), and the fifthfractionator (500) comprises a resin phase feed line (566) that isfluidly connected to the fourth fractionator (400). In certainembodiments, the sixth or final fractionator (600) comprises a resinphase feed line (666) that is fluidly connected to the fifthfractionator (500), as illustrated in FIG. 5. In certain embodiments, aresin pump (308, 408, 508, 608) is fluidly connected to the fractionator(300, 400, 500, 600) and the feed inlet of the (220, 320, 420, 520)preceding fractionator and operates to transport the polar solventsolubilized resin phase from one fractionator (300, 400, 500, 600) tothe preceding fractionator (200, 300, 400, 500, 600).

The Process

In accordance with the second embodiment, a process for separatingsolubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella is provided.Generally, the process may be characterized as a counter-current solventextraction process in which solubilized rubber is separated andrecovered from an initial co-solvent based miscella. In certainembodiments, the initial co-solvent based miscella comprises about 1 toabout 10 weight % rubber (solubilized), about 1 to about 15 weight %resin (solubilized), and about 75 to about 98 weight % combinednon-polar and polar solvents. In certain embodiments, the initialco-solvent based miscella comprises about 1 to about 6 weight % rubber(solubilized), about 2 to about 8 weight % resin (solubilized), andabout 86 to about 97 weight % combined non-polar and polar solvents.During the process, the resin that is contained within the co-solventbased miscella is separated from the rubber that is also containedtherein, relying upon the relatively higher solubility of the rubber inthe non-polar solvent and the relatively higher solubility of the resinin the polar solvent. Accordingly, the separated solubilized rubberphase that results from the process comprises relatively less resin andpolar solvent than the initial co-solvent based miscella. In certainembodiments, the separated solubilized rubber phase that resultscomprises 0-6 weight % resin, including about 0.5 to about 4 weight %resin (based on the total dry weight of combined resin and rubber in theseparated solubilized rubber phase, i.e., with all solvent removed). Incertain embodiments, the separated solubilized rubber phase that resultscomprises no more than about 6 weight %, no more than about 5 weight %,no more than about 4 weight %, no more than about 3 weight %, no morethan about 2 weight %, or no more than about 1 weight % resin (based onthe total dry weight of combined resin and rubber in the separatedsolubilized rubber phase, i.e., with all solvent removed).

Co-Solvent Based Miscella

According to the process of the second embodiment disclosed herein, aninitial co-solvent based miscella is provided for processing. Theinitial co-solvent miscella comprises at least one polar solvent, atleast one non-polar solvent, solubilized rubber, and solubilized resin.In certain embodiments, the initial co-solvent based miscella that isprocessed in accordance with the second embodiment is produced utilizinga non-Hevea plant. Exemplary non-Hevea plants from which the initialco-solvent based miscella may be produced include, but are not limitedto: Parthenium argentatum (Guayule shrub), Taraxacum Kok-Saghyz (Russiandandelion), Euphorbia lathyris (gopher plant), Parthenium incanum(mariola), Chrysothamnus nauseosus (rabbitbrush), Pedilanthusmacrocarpus (candililla), Asclepias syriaca, speciosa, subulata, et al(milkweeds), Solidago altissima, graminifolia rigida, et al(goldenrods), Cacalia atripilicifolia (pale Indian plantain),Pycnanthemum incanum (mountain mint), Teucreum canadense (Americangermander) and Campanula Americana (tall bellflower). Other plants whichproduce rubber and rubber-like hydrocarbons are known, particularlyamong the Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Campanulaceae, Labiatae, andMoracea families. It is contemplated that the initial co-solvent basedmiscella processed in accordance with the processes disclosed herein maybe produced from a single type of non-Hevea plant or a mixture of morethan one type of non-Hevea plant. Accordingly, in certain embodiments,the solubilized rubber of the initial co-solvent based miscellacomprises non-Hevea rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the non-Hevearubber is from guayule.

In certain embodiments, the initial co-solvent based miscella is held ina storage tank and is provided to the process by conventional means, forexample, a pump.

Fractionation System

The process of the second embodiment disclosed herein use afractionation system (1000) comprising multiple fractionators in seriesto separate the initial co-solvent based miscella into at least twophases. As seen in FIG. 6, the multiple fractionators include a firstfractionator (100), one or more intermediate fractionators (200, 300,400, 500), and a final fractionator (600). Although FIG. 6 shows thefractionation system (1000) as having six fractionators, it should beunderstood that the fractionation system (1000) may have less than sixfractionators or more than six fractionators.

The individual fractionators comprising the fractionation system (1000)used in the processes disclosed herein may be configured in accordancewith any of the previously described fractionators of the firstembodiment, for example, the fractionators shown in FIGS. 1-5. Ingeneral, each fractionator comprising the fractionation system (1000)comprises a primary vessel having a feed inlet, a side outlet, and abottom outlet.

In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, one or morefractionators comprising the fractionation system (1000) comprise aninternal weir (150) between the interior of the primary vessel (110) andthe side outlet (130), as seen in the fractionators (100) of FIGS. 2 and3. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, the primary vessel of the fractionator (100)comprises an internal weir (150) and the side outlet (130) of thefractionator (100) is bounded by the internal weir (150) such that atleast a portion of the polar solvent resin phase (40) flows over theinternal weir (150) to remove the polar solvent resin phase (40) throughthe side outlet (130). In certain embodiments, at least a majority ofthe polar solvent solubilized resin phase, and preferably substantiallyall of the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% byvolume) is removed in this manner. It should be understood that arelatively minor amount of polar solvent and solubilized resin mayremain associated with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase.Additionally, the internal weir (150) forms a wall around at least aportion of the circumference of an upper interior portion of the primaryvessel (110).

In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, one or morefractionators comprising the fractionation system (1000) comprise anoverflow vessel (160) external to the primary vessel (110) and fluidlyconnected to the side outlet (130), as seen in the fractionator (100) ofFIG. 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, the fractionator (100) comprises an overflow vessel(160) external to the primary vessel (110). The overflow vessel (160)has an inlet (162) and an outlet (164). The overflow vessel inlet (162)is fluidly connected to the side outlet (130) such that the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (40) flows through the side outlet (130)into the overflow vessel (160). The polar solvent solubilized resinphase (40) that is collected in the overflow vessel (160) is removedthrough the overflow vessel outlet (164). In certain embodiments, atleast a majority of the polar solvent solubilized resin phase, andpreferably substantially all of the polar solvent solubilized resinphase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) is removed in this manner. Itshould be understood that a relatively minor amount of polar solvent andsolubilized resin may remain associated with the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase.

As mentioned above, the multiple fractionators of the fractionationsystem (1000) are connected in series. In other words, the feed inlet ofa fractionator is fluidly connected to a bottom outlet of the precedingfractionator. Accordingly, rubber-containing material (i.e., thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase) is allowed to flow out of thebottom outlet of a fractionator and into the feed inlet of the nextsuccessive fractionator. In certain embodiments of the secondembodiment, at least two intermediate fractionators are used and eachadditional intermediate fractionator is connected in series andpositioned between the first fractionator and the final fractionator.For example, in certain embodiments, at least four intermediatefractionators (200, 300, 400, 500) are used, and each intermediatefractionator is connected in series and positioned between the firstfractionator (100) and the final fractionator (600), as seen in FIG. 6.It can also be seen that the first fractionator (100) and the finalfractionator (600) are connected in series with the intermediatefractionators (200, 300, 400, 500).

Process Flow

With reference now to FIG. 6, the process flow of an embodiment of aprocess according to the second embodiment will be described. As seen inFIG. 6, the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) is fed into a firstfractionator (100). More specifically, the initial co-solvent basedmiscella is fed into the first fractionator primary vessel through thefirst fractionator primary vessel feed inlet. In certain embodiments ofthe processes disclosed herein, the initial co-solvent based miscella(50) flows through a heat exchanger (102) (supplied with appropriateplant utilities (U), e.g., hot water, cooling water, steam, etc.) tocontrol the temperature of the initial co-solvent based miscella (50)entering the first fractionator (100). In certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, the temperature of the initial co-solvent basedmiscella (50) entering the first fractionator (100) is about 50° F. toabout 120° F. (about 10° C. to about 50° C.), and preferably about 60 toabout 80° F. (about 16° C. to about 27° C.). This particular temperaturerange of the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) promotes betterdownstream phase separation in the fractionators.

In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, polar solvent (80) isadded to the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) prior to or afterthe initial co-solvent based miscella (50) is fed into the firstfractionator primary vessel. For example, in certain embodiments, thepolar solvent (80) is combined with the initial co-solvent basedmiscella (50) prior to entering the first fractionator (100), as seen inFIG. 6. In other embodiments, the polar solvent (80) is fed directlyinto the first fractionator (100), such as through a solvent inlet aspreviously mentioned. In certain embodiments, the polar solvent (80)flows through a heat exchanger (82) to control the temperature of thepolar solvent (80) being added to the initial co-solvent based miscella(50). In certain embodiments, the polar solvent (80) is stored in a tankand is provided to the process by conventional means, for example, apump.

In certain embodiments, where the polar solvent (80) is combined withthe initial co-solvent based miscella (50), the combined stream flowsthrough a static mixer (104), as seen in FIG. 6. The static mixer (104)permits gentle mixing of the combined stream of the polar solvent (80)and the initial co-solvent based miscella (50). Accordingly, the staticmixer (104) avoids aggressive mixing of the combined stream of the polarsolvent (80) and the initial co-solvent based miscella (50), which canlead to problems in achieving the desired phase separation in thefractionators.

After the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) is fed into the firstfractionator (100), the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) separatesto form (i) a first non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lowerportion of the first fractionator primary vessel and (ii) a first polarsolvent solubilized resin phase above the first non-polar solventviscous rubber phase. In certain embodiments, adding additional polarsolvent (80) to the initial co-solvent based miscella (50) promotes theseparation of the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase from the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase by causing high molecular weightsolubilized rubber (preferably rubber with a molecular weight of atleast 800,000 (e.g., 800,000-1,500,000), even more preferably at least1,000,000 (e.g., 1,000,000-1,500,000)) to coagulate, thereby forming thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. Lower molecular weightsolubilized rubber may remain in the polar solvent solubilized resinphase. The molecular weights of rubber that are referred to herein aredetermined by GPC, utilizing a polystyrene standard.

As previously mentioned with respect to fractionator of the firstembodiment, the fractionators utilized in the fractionation system(1000) of the second embodiment are operated such that a vapor blanketis maintained above the polar solvent solubilized resin phase in anupper portion of the fractionator primary vessel. In certainembodiments, the vapor blanket comprises air or nitrogen gas.Accordingly, the fractionators are operated such that less than thetotal volume of the fractionator primary vessel is occupied by liquid.As previously mentioned with respect to the fractionator of the firstembodiment, in certain embodiments of the second embodiment, thefractionators utilized in the fractionation system (1000) may include agas inlet and a gas outlet. As seen in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments ofthe second embodiment, the fractionators may be purged or vented viavent lines (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) to a common vent line headerfor additional processing.

In certain embodiments of the processes disclosed herein, it may behelpful to allow for some amount of residence time to allow thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase to separate from the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase in the fractionators. The particularresidence time will depend upon various factors including, but notlimited to, the volume of the fractionator, the flow rate, theparticular polar and non-polar solvents utilized, and the rubber contentof the miscella. In certain embodiments, the total residence time (i.e.,combined time) within all of the fractionators used in the process isabout 30 minutes to about 4 hours. With respect to the firstfractionator (100), during operation at least a portion of the firstpolar solvent solubilized resin phase is removed from the firstfractionator primary vessel. For example, in certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, the first fractionator may comprise an internal weiror an overflow vessel, as previously described, for allowing removal ofat least a portion of the first polar solvent solubilized resin phase.In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the portion of thefirst polar solvent solubilized resin phase (161) that is removed fromthe first fractionator (100) is transferred to a resin tank for storageor further processing and is not conveyed to any other fractionator.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the first non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase (111) is allowed to flow out of the bottom outlet of thefirst fractionator primary vessel and into an intermediate fractionator(200). Additional polar solvent, and optionally additional non-polarsolvent, is added to the intermediate fractionator primary vessel toform a co-solvent based miscella mixture with the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase from the first fractionator. In certain embodimentsof the second embodiment, the additional polar solvent, and optionallyadditional non-polar solvent, is added directly to the intermediatefractionator (200). In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, theadditional polar solvent, and optionally additional non-polar solvent,is combined with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (111) andthe combined stream is fed into the intermediate fractionator (200). Incertain embodiments of the second embodiment, the additional polarsolvent is provided by the polar solvent solubilized resin phase of thenext successive fractionator. For example, as seen in FIG. 6, the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (361) removed from intermediatefractionator (300) is combined with the first non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase (111) and the combined stream is fed into intermediatefractionator (200). In certain embodiments, where the polar solventsolubilized resin phase (361) from intermediate fractionator (300) iscombined with the first non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (111),the combined stream flows through a static mixer (204) prior to enteringintermediate fractionator (200), as seen in FIG. 6.

After the co-solvent based miscella mixture is fed into the intermediatefractionator (200), the mixture is allowed to separate into (i) anintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portionof the intermediate fractionator primary vessel and (ii) an intermediatepolar solvent solubilized resin phase above the intermediate non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase. As previously discussed, during operationof the intermediate fractionator an intermediate vapor blanket ismaintained above the intermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phasein an upper portion of the intermediate fractionator primary vessel.

During operation of the intermediate fractionator (200) at least aportion of the intermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase isremoved from the intermediate fractionator primary vessel. For example,in certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the intermediatefractionator may comprise an internal weir or an overflow vessel, aspreviously described, for allowing removal of at least a portion of theintermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase. In certainembodiments, at least a majority of the polar solvent solubilized resinphase, and preferably substantially all of the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase (i.e., at least 90% by volume) is removed in this manner. Itshould be understood that a relatively minor amount of polar solvent andsolubilized resin may remain associated with the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase. In certain embodiments of the second embodiment,the portion of the intermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase(261) that is removed from the first intermediate fractionator (200) istransferred to a resin tank for storage or further processing and is notconveyed to any other fractionator. Accordingly, in certain embodimentsof the processes disclosed herein, the polar solvent solubilized resinphase that is removed from the first fractionator and the firstintermediate fractionator is not conveyed to any other fractionator.

The operation of any additional intermediate fractionators may proceedin a manner similar to the operation of the first fractionator (100) andthe intermediate fractionator (200) as described above. The processaccording to the second embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6 includesfour intermediate fractionators (200, 300, 400, 500), which areconnected in series with the first fractionator (100) and the finalfractionator (600). The separation of the non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase from the polar solvent solubilized resin phase that occursin the intermediate fractionators (300, 400, 500) proceeds as describedwith respect to intermediate fractionator (200). In addition, thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase is allowed to flow out of thebottom outlet of the fractionator primary vessel and into the nextsuccessive fractionator. However, in certain embodiments of the secondembodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, where thefractionation system comprises at least four intermediate fractionators,the polar solvent solubilized resin phase that is removed from at leastthree of the intermediate fractionators is fluidly conveyed to thepreceding intermediate fractionator. For example, the polar solventsolubilized resin phase removed from intermediate fractionator (300) isfluidly conveyed via stream (361) to intermediate fractionator (200),the polar solvent solubilized resin phase removed from intermediatefractionator (400) is fluidly conveyed via stream (461) to intermediatefractionator (300), and the polar solvent solubilized resin phaseremoved from intermediate fractionator (500) is fluidly conveyed viastream (561) to intermediate fractionator (400).

As seen in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase stream from an intermediate fractionator is combined withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase stream exiting the bottomoutlet of the second preceding fractionator. For example, the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase stream (361) from intermediatefractionator (300) is combined with the non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase stream (111) exiting the bottom outlet of the first fractionator(100) and is fed to intermediate fractionator (200), as seen in FIG. 6.In certain embodiments, where the polar solvent solubilized resin phasestream (361) from intermediate fractionator (300) is combined with thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase stream (111), the combined streamflows through a static mixer (204) prior to entering intermediatefractionator (200). Similarly, in certain embodiments, the polar solventsolubilized resin phase stream (461) from intermediate fractionator(400) is combined with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase stream(211) exiting the bottom outlet of intermediate fractionator (200) andis fed to intermediate fractionator (300). In certain embodiments, wherethe polar solvent solubilized resin phase stream (461) from intermediatefractionator (400) is combined with the non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase stream (211), the combined stream flows through a static mixer(304) prior to entering intermediate fractionator (300). In certainembodiments, the polar solvent solubilized resin phase stream (561) fromintermediate fractionator (500) is combined with the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase stream (311) exiting the bottom outlet ofintermediate fractionator (300) and is fed to intermediate fractionator(400). In certain embodiments, where the polar solvent solubilized resinphase stream (561) from intermediate fractionator (500) is combined withthe non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase stream (311), the combinedstream flows through a static mixer (404) prior to entering intermediatefractionator (400), as seen in FIG. 6. As previously mentioned, thepolar solvent solubilized resin phase provides additional polar solventto promote the separation of the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phasefrom the polar solvent solubilized resin phase in the fractionators.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, theintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (411) ofintermediate fractionator (400) is allowed to flow out of the bottomoutlet of the intermediate fractionator primary vessel and intointermediate fractionator (500). As previously mentioned, additionalpolar solvent, and optionally additional non-polar solvent, may be addedto the intermediate fractionator primary vessel to form a co-solventbased miscella mixture. Separation of the co-solvent based miscellamixture proceeds as previously described. In certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, additional polar solvent and additional non-polarsolvent (90) are added directly to the intermediate fractionator (500).In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the additional polarsolvent and additional non-polar solvent (90) is combined with thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (411) and the combined stream isfed into the intermediate fractionator (500). In certain embodiments,the additional non-polar solvent (90) flows through a heat exchanger(92) (supplied with appropriate plant utilities (U), e.g., hot water,cooling water, steam, etc.) to control the temperature of the non-polarsolvent (90) being added to the process. In certain embodiments of thesecond embodiment, the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (661) thatis removed from the final fractionator is fluidly conveyed to thepreceding intermediate fractionator (500) to provide additional polarsolvent to the intermediate fractionator (500). For example, in certainembodiments, as seen in FIG. 6, the polar solvent solubilized resinphase (661) removed from final fractionator (600) is combined with thenon-polar solvent stream (90) and intermediate non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase stream (411) and the combined stream is fed intointermediate fractionator (500). In certain embodiments, where the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase (661) from final fractionator (600) iscombined with the non-polar solvent stream (90) and intermediatenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (411), the combined stream flowsthrough a static mixer (504) prior to entering intermediate fractionator(500), as seen in FIG. 6. In certain embodiments, the addition of polarsolvent and non-polar solvent serves to promote separation of thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase and the polar solvent solubilizedresin phase.

As seen in FIG. 6, the intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubberphase (511) is allowed to flow out of the bottom outlet of theintermediate fractionator primary vessel (i.e., the last intermediatefractionator (500)) and into the final fractionator (600). Additionalpolar solvent (80), and optionally additional non-polar solvent (90), isadded to the final fractionator primary vessel to form a co-solventbased miscella mixture. In certain embodiments of the second embodiment,the additional polar solvent (80), and optionally additional non-polarsolvent (90), is added directly to the final fractionator (600). Incertain embodiments of the second embodiment, the additional polarsolvent (80), and optionally additional non-polar solvent (90), iscombined with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (511) and thecombined stream is fed into the final fractionator (600). In certainembodiments of the second embodiment, the additional polar solvent (80)is provided from a polar solvent storage tank and may flow through aheat exchanger (82) to control the temperature of the polar solvent (80)being added to the final fractionator (600). In certain embodiments ofthe second embodiment, the additional non-polar solvent (90) is providedfrom a non-polar solvent storage tank and may flow through a heatexchanger (92) to control the temperature of the non-polar solvent (90)being added to the final fractionator. In certain embodiments, where theadditional polar solvent (80), the additional non-polar solvent (90),and the intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (511) arecombined, the combined stream flows through a static mixer (604) priorto entering the final fractionator (600), as seen in FIG. 6.

In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the relative amount ofpolar solvent (80) added to the final fractionator (600) is greater thanthe amount of non-polar solvent added to the final fractionator (600).By adding relatively more polar solvent (80) than non-polar solvent(90), the concentration of solubilized rubber in the non-polar solventviscous rubber phase (611) increases, which reduces the amount ofnon-polar solvent that will have to be removed from the non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase and also causes the rubber to drop out ofsolution.

Separation of the co-solvent based miscella mixture in the finalfractionator (600) proceeds in the same manner as previously describedwith respect to the other fractionators. For example, after theco-solvent based miscella mixture is fed into the final fractionator(600), the mixture is allowed to separate into (i) a final non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portion of the finalfractionator primary vessel and (ii) a final polar solvent solubilizedresin phase above the final non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase.During operation of the final fractionator a final vapor blanket ismaintained above the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase in anupper portion of the final fractionator primary vessel.

During operation of the final fractionator (600) at least a portion ofthe final polar solvent solubilized resin phase is removed from thefinal fractionator primary vessel. For example, in certain embodimentsof the second embodiment, the final fractionator may comprise aninternal weir or an overflow vessel, as previously described, forallowing removal of at least a portion of the final polar solventsolubilized resin phase. In certain embodiments, at least a majority ofthe polar solvent solubilized resin phase, and preferably substantiallyall of the polar solvent solubilized resin phase (i.e., at least 90% byvolume) is removed in this manner. It should be understood that arelatively minor amount of polar solvent and solubilized resin mayremain associated with the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase. Aspreviously described, in certain embodiments of the second embodiment,the portion of the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase (661)that is removed from the final fractionator (600) is transferred to thepreceding fractionator (500).

In accordance with the second embodiment, the final non-polar solventviscous rubber phase (611) is allowed to flow out of the bottom outletof the final fractionator primary vessel, thereby providing a separatedsolubilized rubber phase with reduced resin and polar solvent content ascompared to the initial co-solvent based miscella. In certainembodiments, the final non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase (611) istransferred to a storage tank where it can undergo additional processingto provide a purified rubber product.

The process according to the second embodiment as described herein ispreferably conducted on a continuous basis. For example, a continuousstream of initial co-solvent based miscella (50) may be fed into thefractionation system (1000) and a continuous stream of final non-polarsolvent viscous rubber phase (611) may exit the fractionation system(1000).

Solvents

In any of the embodiments of the processes disclosed herein, thesolvents contained within the co-solvent based miscella and anyadditional solvents (polar solvent, non-polar solvent, or a combinationthereof) added elsewhere to the process may be the same or different(i.e., overall one non-polar solvent may be utilized and overall onepolar solvent may be utilized, or alternatively more than one of eachmaybe be utilized.). Preferably, all non-polar solvent utilized withinthe process are the same and all polar solvent utilized within theprocess are the same.

In any of the foregoing embodiments of the processes disclosed herein,the at least one polar solvent of the co-solvent based miscella and anyadditional polar solvent added elsewhere to the process may be selectedfrom the group consisting of alcohols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g.,ethanol, isopropanol, ethanol and the like); ethers and esters havingfrom 2 to 8 carbon atoms; cyclic ethers having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms;and ketones having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g., acetone, methyl ethylketone and the like); and combinations thereof. In certain preferredembodiments of the processes disclosed herein, the at least onenon-polar solvent of the co-solvent based miscella and any additionalnon-polar solvent added elsewhere in the process are each hexane orcyclohexane, and the at least one polar solvent of the co-solvent basedmiscella and any additional polar solvent added elsewhere in the processis optionally acetone. Other polar solvents (individually or incombination) may be used in embodiments of the processes disclosedherein as long as the polar solvent preferentially solvates a portion ofnon-rubber extractables (e.g., resins) and acts (at a certainconcentration) to coagulate natural rubber. In any of the embodiments ofthe processes disclosed herein, mixtures of two or more polar solventsmay be utilized.

In any of the foregoing embodiments of the processes described herein,the at least one non-polar solvent that is contained in the co-solventbased miscella and any additional non-polar solvent added elsewhere inthe process may be selected from the group consisting of alkanes havingfrom 4 to 9 carbon atoms (e.g., pentane, hexane, heptanes, nonane andthe like); cycloalkanes and alkyl cycloalkanes having from 5 to 10carbon atoms (e.g., cyclohexane, cyclopentane and the like); aromaticsand alkyl substituted aromatics having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms (e.g.,benzene, toluene, xylene and the like); and combinations thereof. Incertain preferred embodiments according of the processes disclosedherein, the at least one polar solvent of the co-solvent based miscellaand any additional polar solvent added to the process is acetone, andthe at least one non-polar solvent of the co-solvent based miscella andany additional non-polar solvent added to the process are optionallyhexane or cyclohexane. Other non-polar solvents (individually or incombination) may be used in embodiments of the processes disclosedherein as long as the non-polar solvent preferentially solvates naturalrubber. In any of the embodiments of the processes disclosed herein,mixtures of two or more non-polar solvents may be utilized.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term“connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to meannot only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to”such as connected through another component or components.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broaderaspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representativeapparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departing from thespirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fractionator for separating solubilized rubberfrom a co-solvent based miscella, the fractionator comprising: a primaryvessel comprising: a feed inlet for feeding a co-solvent based miscellainto the primary vessel, wherein the co-solvent based miscella separatesto form (i) a non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lower portionof the primary vessel, (ii) a polar solvent solubilized resin phaseabove the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase and (iii) a phaseinterface level between the phases (i) and (ii); a side outlet forremoving the polar solvent solubilized resin phase from the primaryvessel; a bottom outlet for removing the non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase from the primary vessel; and an apparatus for controllingthe phase interface level.
 2. The fractionator of claim 1, wherein theapparatus for controlling the phase interface level is external to theprimary vessel.
 3. The fractionator of claim 1, further comprising anoverflow vessel having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the overflowvessel inlet is fluidly connected to the side outlet such that the polarsolvent solubilized resin phase flows through the side outlet into theoverflow vessel and is removed through the overflow vessel outlet. 4.The fractionator of claim 1, wherein the primary vessel furthercomprises an internal weir, wherein the side outlet is bounded by theinternal weir such that the polar solvent solubilized resin phase flowsover the internal weir to remove the polar solvent solubilized resinphase through the side outlet.
 5. The fractionator of claim 4, whereinthe internal weir forms a wall around at least a portion of thecircumference of an upper interior portion of the primary vessel.
 6. Thefractionator of claim 1, wherein the primary vessel further comprises atleast one of: a gas inlet for adding a vapor blanket to thefractionator, or a gas outlet for purging vapor from the fractionator.7. The fractionator of claim 1, wherein the primary vessel furthercomprises at least one solvent inlet for feeding solvent to the primaryvessel.
 8. The fractionator of claim 1, further comprising at least oneadditional fractionator connected in series, wherein each additionalfractionator has a feed inlet that is fluidly connected to the bottomoutlet of the preceding fractionator.
 9. The fractionator of claim 8,wherein each additional fractionator further comprises a polar solventinlet for addition of polar solvent.
 10. The fractionator of claim 8,wherein each additional fractionator further comprises an apparatus forcontrolling the phase interface level.
 11. The fractionator of claim 8,comprising a total of at least four fractionators connected in series,wherein at least one of the intermediate fractionators further comprisesa resin phase feed line that is fluidly connected to the precedingfractionator.
 12. A process for separating solubilized non-Hevea rubberfrom a co-solvent based miscella, the process comprising: (a) providingan initial co-solvent based miscella comprising at least one polarsolvent, at least one non-polar solvent, solubilized non-Hevea rubber,and solubilized resin; (b) using a fractionation system comprisingmultiple fractionators in series to separate the initial co-solventbased miscella into at least two phases, wherein the multiplefractionators include a first fractionator, one or more intermediatefractionators, and a final fractionator, and wherein each fractionatorcomprises a primary vessel having (i) a feed inlet, (ii) a side outlet,(iii) a bottom outlet, (iv) an overflow vessel fluidly connected to theside outlet, and (v) an internal weir between the interior of theprimary vessel and the side outlet; wherein the initial co-solvent basedmiscella is fed into the first fractionator primary vessel through thefirst fractionator primary vessel feed inlet, and the initial co-solventbased miscella separates to form (i) a first non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase in a lower portion of the first fractionator primaryvessel, (ii) a first polar solvent solubilized resin phase above thefirst non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase, and (iii) a phaseinterface level between the phases (i) and (ii), and wherein a firstvapor blanket is maintained above the first polar solvent solubilizedresin phase in an upper portion of the first fractionator primaryvessel; (c) controlling the phase interface level between the phases (i)and (ii); (d) allowing at least a portion of the first polar solventsolubilized resin phase to flow over the internal weir of the firstfractionator into the overflow vessel of the first fractionator forremoval from the first fractionator primary vessel through the sideoutlet; (e) allowing the first non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase toflow out of the bottom outlet of the first fractionator primary vesseland into an intermediate fractionator; (f) adding additional polarsolvent and optionally additional non-polar solvent to the intermediatefractionator primary vessel to form a co-solvent based miscella mixturewith the non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase from the firstfractionator primary vessel and allowing for separation of that mixtureinto (i) an intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in alower portion of the intermediate fractionator primary vessel, (ii) anintermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase above theintermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase, and (iii) a phaseinterface level between the intermediate phases (i) and (ii), andwherein an intermediate vapor blanket is maintained above theintermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase in an upper portionof the intermediate fractionator primary vessel; (g) allowing at least aportion of the intermediate polar solvent solubilized resin phase toflow over the internal weir of the intermediate fractionator into theoverflow vessel of the intermediate fractionator for removal from theintermediate fractionator primary vessel through the side outlet; (h)allowing the intermediate non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase to flowout of the bottom outlet of the intermediate fractionator primary vesseland into the final fractionator; (i) adding additional polar solvent andoptionally additional non-polar solvent to the final fractionatorprimary vessel to form a co-solvent based miscella mixture with thenon-polar solvent viscous rubber phase from the intermediatefractionator primary vessel and allowing for separation of that mixtureinto (i) a final non-polar solvent viscous rubber phase in a lowerportion of the final fractionator primary vessel, (ii) a final polarsolvent solubilized resin phase above the final non-polar solventviscous rubber phase, and (iii) a phase interface level between thefinal phases (i) and (ii), and wherein a final vapor blanket ismaintained above the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase in anupper portion of the final fractionator primary vessel; (j) allowing atleast a portion of the final polar solvent solubilized resin phase toflow over the internal weir of the final fractionator into the overflowvessel of the final fractionator for removal from the final fractionatorprimary vessel; and (k) allowing the final non-polar solvent viscousrubber phase to flow out of the bottom outlet of the final fractionatorprimary vessel, thereby providing a separated solubilized rubber phasewith reduced resin and polar solvent content as compared to the initialco-solvent based miscella.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein polarsolvent is added to the initial co-solvent based miscella prior to orafter the initial co-solvent based miscella is fed into the firstfractionator primary vessel.
 14. The process of claim 12, wherein atleast two intermediate fractionators are used and each additionalintermediate fractionator is connected in series and positioned betweenthe first fractionator and the final fractionator.
 15. The process ofclaim 12, wherein the primary vessel of each fractionator comprises aninternal weir and the side outlet of each fractionator is bounded by theinternal weir such that the polar solvent resin phase flows over theinternal weir to remove the polar solvent resin phase through the sideoutlet, and wherein the internal weir focus a wall around at least aportion of the circumference of an upper interior portion of the primaryvessel.
 16. The process of claim 12, wherein each fractionator comprisesan overflow vessel external to the primary vessel, wherein the overflowvessel comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the overflow inlet isfluidly connected to the side outlet such that the polar solvent resinphase flows through the side outlet into the overflow vessel and isremoved through the overflow vessel outlet.
 17. The process of claim 12,wherein the fractionation system comprises at least two intermediatefractionators, wherein the polar solvent solubilized resin phase that isremoved from at least one of the intermediate fractionators is fluidlyconveyed to the preceding intermediate fractionator.
 18. The process ofclaim 12, wherein the polar solvent solubilized resin phase that isremoved from the final fractionator is fluidly conveyed to the precedingintermediate fractionator.
 19. The process of claim 12, wherein thepolar solvent solubilized resin phase that is removed from the firstfractionator and the first intermediate fractionator is not conveyed toany other fractionator.
 20. The process of claim 12, wherein thenon-Hevea rubber is from guayule.
 21. The process of claim 12, whereinat least one of the following is met: the at least one polar solventcomprises acetone; or the at least one non-polar solvent comprises atleast one C6 alkane or cycloalkane.